Woodworking is a craft that encompasses all the elements in it. Whether using tools to cut wood or making holes in it, it is all part of the experience of a woodworker. Now cutting particle boards is very different compared to cutting wood though. Particle board is made from very small chips of wood that are glued together and then compressed to give it the shape of a board. So it reacts differently to tools than normal solid wood. Today we will talk about the cutting aspect of particle board and find out the best blades for doing that. Here are the top 3 blades for cutting particle board:
The top 3 blades for cutting particle board are: The Diablo D1080X, the DEWALT 10-inch 60 Tooth Carbide blade, and the Freud Melamine and Plywood Thin Kerf Blade. All of these blades have a high tooth count and a thin kerf that is made for cutting materials like particle board without a huge blowout. A higher tooth count is the best way to go for particle boards for cleaner cuts.
MDF and particle boards can be cut very cleanly if they don’t have a laminated or veneer top. However, most people use melamine or laminate top particle boards in their projects since it protects the material from water damage. The normal saw blade that has a 32 teeth count is great for cutting solid wood. Though when it comes to plywood and melamine/laminate top pressed wood boards, a lower tooth count blade will create chipping and cracking on the cut edges.
1- Diablo D1080X 80 Tooth Count 10-Inch Blade
The Diablo saw blades are widely known for being reasonably priced, and doing the job just right. Whether it is the 32-tooth count blade or the 80, they are super durable, and woodworkers love this brand. The 80-tooth count blade by Diablo is the best for particle boards because of the higher count. Not to mention, it has a thin kerf which keeps the cuts clean and precise.
It comes coated with a finish that helps it last a long time. The laser cut stabilisers on the blade prevent heat build-up due to vibration and reduce noise during the cutting process. It is slightly costlier than an average saw blade, but you definitely get better results, making the price reasonable. This is why the Diablo blades are famous throughout the woodworking community.
Pros
- Higher tooth count for clean cuts on particle boards.
- A durable blade that lasts longer before it requires sharpening.
- Laser-cut stabilisers reduce noise and heat build-up.
Cons
- Slightly on the expensive side.
2- DEWALT 10-inch 60 Tooth Carbide Blade
Now the DEWALT brand is not a new name in the market. Everyone who is in construction or woodworking knows this brand for their tools. DEWALT has some reasonably priced tools that perform really well. Their 10-inch 60 Tooth Carbide blade is a great combination saw blade that can be used for cutting particle boards as well as solid wood.
The 60-tooth blade allows you to create clean cuts with a minimal blowout. However, it does create absolutely clean cuts but by using a few techniques, you can still get great results. The DEWALT brand saw blade costs less than the Freud Diablo ones. So if you do not want to spend the extra money, then you can settle for this blade without problems.
The carbide blade is durable and will last you quite a few cuts before it needs to be re-sharpened. This makes it the best value blade we have on this list.
Pros
- Reasonably Priced.
- Durable blade lasting a long time.
- Great combination blade for both particle board and solid wood.
Cons
- Less clean cuts on particle board.
3- Freud Thin Kerf Ultimate Plywood and Melamine Blade
The Freud brand, which is famous for its Diablo saw blades, also has speciality blades. The Freud Ultimate Plywood and Melamine blade has a high tooth count, is super thin, and is specially designed to cut particle board and plywood without blowout. Although slightly pricey, the blade performs really well on manufactured boards.
The red colour of the blade is not just for looks, it comes coated with a perma shield to reduce pitch, corrosion, and rust build-up on the blade, increasing its life. Not to mention it is manufactured out of high-density carbide metal that improves its durability in the long run. The high tooth count and the ultra-thin kerf literally give it an edge over other blades.
Overall, one of the best blades for particle board if you can afford the price.
Pros
- Speciality blade for particle board and plywood.
- High tooth count for clean cuts on laminate.
- Durable material.
Cons
- More pricey than most blades.
How to Get Clean Cuts on Laminate Coated Particle Board
Particle board comes either coated with veneer or laminate. The laminate is made out of plastic, which chips and breaks off when cut with a saw blade. This is almost always the case, regardless of how expensive a blade you use. With a higher tooth count, you can avoid a bigger blowout, however, it will not be a pristine cut no matter how many teeth a blade has.
A thinner kerf also helps in reducing the blowout, but it is impossible to avoid it completely. You will always see the melamine chipped and cracked on the edges of the cut.
However, using a few techniques, there are ways to almost completely remove the chipping on the edges when you cut with a high tooth count saw blade. It might take more time, but it will give you cleaner results.
Adjust the depth of the blade to 1/3rd so that only the teeth are protruding, on the initial cut only etching the top of the laminate will make the cut clean. You can also try using tape, along with adjusting the blade’s depth, to get perfectly clean cuts every time on the laminate top particle board.
This technique increases the time you require to cut a particle board using a saw blade since you have to make multiple passes. However, using this process gives you clean edges on your cut, regardless of what kind of saw you are using.
Even if you are using a circular saw, you can get clean cuts, so even if you don’t have a table saw, you can cut your particle board with ease by adjusting the depth of the blade.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of blades are best for particle board?
A high tooth count blade with 60 teeth or above is the best for cutting particle boards. Blades with a higher tooth count and a thinner kerf are even better.
Can you use a combination blade for cutting particle board?
Yes, combination blades have a higher tooth count which makes them ideal for cutting both solid wood and particle board.
Final Thoughts
Buying the most expensive blade for cutting particle boards might not be the best idea. The only requirements that you need are having a higher tooth count on the blade and a thinner kerf. Otherwise, you can buy blades of any brand out there and you should get similar results. However, the blades in our list are praised throughout the woodworking community for having high durability. So they are bound to last for longer than an average run-of-the-mill brand saw blade. You can always get your blades sharpened if they become dull or replace them afterwards.
